Chicago | Named Best Major City in the United States at the Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards

 

Choose Chicago, the official sales and marketing organization for the centre of Illinois that promote the city to business and leisure travellers in targeted regional, national and international markets, has announced that Chicago has once again been named the best major city in the United States of America at the Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards.

For 37 years, Condé Nast Traveller has been collecting readers' feedback to determine the winners of its Readers' Choice Awards, making it the most prestigious and enduring recognition of excellence in the travel industry and Chicago has been named the winner, a string of successes that has continued since 2017, more than any other city in the history of the award.

For the eighth consecutive year in 2024 with more than 500.000 readers voting for their favorite destinations and places, the general public following the travel and tourism industry chose Chicago, the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States situated on Lake Michigan as the winner of this coveted award.

Famed for its bold architecture, renowned museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago with its noted Impressionist and Post impressionist works, its stunning skyline punctated by imposing skycrapers, a cosmopolitan metropolis with a a creative spirit, a very vibrant arts scene and a lively nightlife Chicago celebrates a triumph again for countless reasons.

To highlight this success, Choose Chicago has released visit metrics that show an exceptional summer of travel with visitors filling a total of 3.4 million hotel nights during the months of June, July and August, an increase of 5% compared to the summer of 2023.

Very significant is the data linked to the strong summer period hotel demand that drove all - time records in summer hotel revenue with $ 942 million and city tax revenue reaching $ 53 million both measures 13% higher than in 2023.

Other relevant data are related to the support of the DNC, the National Democratic Convention and other important conventions, the demand for hotel occupancy by group totaled 1.1 million occupancy nights, a 7% higher than in 2023 and exceeding the levels of 2019.

Further data that confirm the great exploit of Chicago as destination is that in summer season the city welcomed more than 671.000 international visitors that means an 11% increase compared to 2023 and notably summer visits from Canadians increased by 21% during the summer months.

Another relevant detail is linked to a strong summer for leisure travel with protagonists events like NASCAR Chicago Street Race and Lollapalooza contributing to 2.3 million hotel nights up 4% from 2023.

Governor JB Pritzker said this historic, eighth consecutive victory comes after an exceptional summer for the city's tourism, hospitality and events community, an award that reflects the rich diversity of culture, culinary innovation and experiences that Chicago offers.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson commented that the rest of the world has long realized that there really isn't a more dynamic destination in America than Chicago, congratulations go to all the people who work hard in hotels, restaurants, various establishments, labor unions and the entire Chicago tourism and hospitality industry who make this recognition possible and people know that this city is like no other.

This award is an honor and a tangible testament to the strength, warmth and resilience of Chicagoans, the beauty and vibrancy of Chicago's neighborhoods, and those who are visiting Chicago for the first time or living as a lifelong resident have the opportunity to explore and discover something new in this city.

Choose Chicago Board Chairman Glenn Eden said that after the infamous vicissitudes of the pandemic, destination marketing has become more competitive than ever and the organization has not taken this unprecedented incredible recognition for granted.

The fact that Chicago continues to be voted the best major city in the United States of America is a clear testament to the resilience, collaboration and constant innovation of the local tourism, cultural arts and hospitality communities.

The residents have everything you could want to experience in a big city and beyond that Chicagoans have a personality and culture that define who the city's residents are and how they stand out on the world stage.

Choose Chicago Interim President and CEO Rich Gamble commented that being voted the best major city in the United States of America is no small feat. All of this is a clear reflection of the passionate and tireless work of every Chicago citizen who proudly shares their city with the world.

Chicago in its spirit and essence continues to evolve as a global destination and there is great excitement for everything that the future holds with major sporting events, neighborhood festivals, openings of upcoming trendy restaurants, Chicago offers a truly endless variety of experiences to live.

After this great success, looking to the future, Chicago is preparing for a very challenging but at the same time highly optimistic end of 2024 with important events such as the launch of the theater season which has always been a significant cultural highlight in the life of the city, Christkindlmarket, the Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights in Windtrust and more that will attract visitors from near and far.

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/102823_chicago_elegida_la_mejor_ciudad_grande_de_los_estados_unidos

Buenos Aires, Argentina | New Member of the World Travel and Tourism Council

Buenos Aires, the capital and primate city of Argentina situated on the western shore of the Rio de la Plata on South America's southeastern coast, passionate, cosmopolitan metropolis with a combination of rich architectural and cultural heritage with a vibrant arts scene, creative energy, electric nightlife and unique traditions will have the opportunity through Visit Buenos Aires, the official City's DMO, organization which aims to maximize international tourism opportunities throughout the city to strengthen its position as a tourist destination of international importance by becoming a member of WTTC, the World Travel Tourism Council.

The WTTC, forum for the travel and tourism industry founded in 1990 made up from the global business community and works with governements to raise awareness about the travel and tourism industry has announced the incorporation of Buenos Aires as a new member destination of the Organization allowing the Argentine capital to participate in high-level forums attended by over 200 global companies and destinations.

With its incorporation into the WTTC's Destination Partner category, Buenos Aires will be able to participate in discussion forums alongside CEOs and executives and the most important destinations in the tourism industry around the world.

The Council's mission is to maximize the potential for inclusive growth, sustainable and resilient industry by working with governments, destinations, communities and industry partners to promote economic development, create jobs and reduce poverty.

Buenos Aires through its tourism promotion brand "Visit Buenos Aires" thus joins 30 WTTC Destination Partners around the world including AlUla, Barcelona, Brand USA, California, Canada, Colombia, Dubai, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Philippines, France, Nayarit, Neom, New York, Peru, Puerto Rico, Portugal, Quintana Roo, Seville, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand,  Turkey among others.

Being a member of WTTC Buenos Aires with its own brand will have the opportunity to strengthen its positioning as a world-class tourist destination beyond what it could do individually and as an official member it will also be part of the driving force behind the activities and policies of the World Travel Tourism Council as well as having access to the main networking network of the most important representatives of the tourism sector

Currently, the companies and destinations in the international tourism industry that make up the WTTC currently account for 30% of global tourism GDP and according to the latest EIR, Economic Impact Research of 2024 prepared by the WTTC in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the current year will be key for Argentina's tourism sector which already contributes $62.8 billion to its GDP representing almost 1.5 million jobs in the country.

WTTC President Julia Simpson said that for the World Travel Tourism Council, as the only organization that brings together the main players in private service in this sector, it is an honor that a city as important as Buenos Aires joins the list of associated destinations.

This new membership will allow with a further force to work together to strengthen global efforts to promote increasingly safe, sustainable and inclusive tourism.

Thanks go to the authorities of the destination for the work they are doing, committing themselves to the tourism sector, a fundamental pillar for economic development and the generation of more and better opportunities.

The President of the Argentine Capital Tourism Board and President of Visit Buenos Aires Valentin Diaz Gilligan commented that the incorporation as a member of the WTTC implies an outcome and an effect that will allow the city to access the main players in world tourism, learn about the latest trends in the tourism sector, discuss the challenges faced by the activity and strengthen its position as one of the leading urban destinations in the world.  Southern Hemisphere.

Link -https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/102855_buenos_aires_es_nuevo_miembro_del_consejo_mundial_de_viajes_y_turismo

UNA Esperienze | Maniace Boutique Hotel Ortigia Opened its Doors in Sicily

 

UNA Esperienze, brand of the group UNA Hotels & Resorts, hospitality company founded in 2000 in Florence owned by Gruppo UNA S.p.A. and based in Milan, has opened the four-star Maniace Boutique Hotel Ortigia in the city of Siracusa, historic centre on the Italian island of Sicily well known for its rich historic heritage composed by several attraction such as ancient ruins, the central Archeological Park Neapolis comprises the Roman Amphithheater, the Greek Theater and the iconic Orecchio di Dionisio among others.

This opening represents the 20th hotel in the portfolio with the protagonist on this occasion, UNA Esperienze, a brand created to offer accommodation solutions to national and international guests who are looking to live stunning experiences, great vibes enjoying the typical italian lifestyle.

UNA Esperienze bases its philosophy on very significant concepts by offering unique facilities in dream territories where art, natural beauty, comfort, culture and wellness blend to welcome and satisfy the requests of guests by offering personalized and quality stays, putting the guest at the center of everything, creating unique and memorable experiences.

The Maniace Boutique Hotel Ortigia is housed in a refined, elegant historic residence with a breathtaking Mediterranean Sea view overlooking the stupendous Cala Rossa beach located in the Turba District accessible from a long stairway characterized by clean, blue waters and rocky terrain.

The hotel provides 21 rooms and suites, equipped with all services, welcoming, bright with a modern design, providing sober furniture similar to the most refined Sicilian style, where each room tells guests a story and an experience through typical elements of the culture of this Mediterranean island from the imposing Etna volcano, the characteristic salt pans, the emblematic puppets and the sweet, prickly pears with a high level stay in one of the most captivating Sicilian areas.

At guests' disposal there is a cozy breakfast room that allows you to start the day admiring an ancient apse dating back to the fourth century AD, a private garden for outdoor breakfasts, an outdoor terrace to relax and enjoy an aperitif, a cocktail or a glass of wine with the opportunity to participate in tastings.

The different rooms of the hotel are meticulously cared for, embellished with typical furnishings, marble floors, warm tones that create an intimate, relaxing atmosphere, representing all together in their essence  the common thread with the territory and the characteristic spirit and identity of Sicily.

The hotel is very sensitive to the issue of sustainability by using low-consumption lamps, solar panels that promote the circular economy and also favoring the use of local and zero-kilometer products.

The CEO of the UNA Group, Giorgio Marchegiani, said that the entry of this new hotel into the chain as an affiliated hotel unit represents a further step in the strategy of growth and consolidation in Sicily where UNA Hotels & Resorts is already present with five other accommodations and with enthusiasm to be able to offer guests a new high-level stay experience in one of the most fascinating locations in Sicily.

Link - https://www.ttgitalia.com/hotel/una-esperienze-apre-in-sicilia-il-maniace-boutique-hotel-ortigia-BC21323013

Marriott International and Sands China Ltd. Bring The Luxury Collection Brand to Macau

 Marriott International, Inc., famous, American multinational company headquarted in Bethesda - Maryland that operates, licenses and franchises loging brands that include hotel, resorts, residential and timeshare properties has established a partnership in the form of an agreement with Sands China Ltd., integrated resort developer and operator based in Macau and a majority – owned subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands Corporation  to bring The Luxury Collection brand to the market and specifically to Macau, autonomous region of the south coast of China.

With an opening date scheduled for January 2025, the Londoner Grand, a Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott International will be ready to open its doors satisfying the most demanding travelers in this captivating oriental territory across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong which reflects a stunning mix of cultural influences.

The Luxury Collection comprised of word – renowned hotels and resorts is based on the philosophy that each unique property is intrinsically connected to its locale, offering singularly authentic,distinctive experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories offering a gateway to the world's most exciting and desirable destination, all that combined with the authentic interpretation of the hotel brand creating a unique and enriching experience.

The Hotel will be located in the heart of Macau's Cotai Strip, bustling area developed into a grid - like layout with major hotels and casinos in the central area of the bustling Cotai, piece of land on the top of the Seac Pai Bay between Coloane and Taipa Islands, within walking distance of the city's main shopping, entertainment and dining districts, 6.2 kilometers from the Taipa ferry terminal and about 4.9 kilometers from Macau International Airport.

In this lively area for guests who wish to immerse themselves culturally in Macau within a short drive are the iconic ruins of St. Paul, Taipa Houses and the historic Senate Square.

The Londoner Grand will have 2.405 well-designed rooms and suites, each representing the grandeur of Georgian architecture, a style highly variable but characterized and marked by symmetry, proportion and balance inspired by the classical architecture of the ancient Greece and Rome as revived in Renaissance architecture with decorative motifs such as crenellations,  Fans vaulted ceilings, finials, hood mouldings, lancet windows and a simple façade.

The interior design, led by Peter Silling & Associates, a Hong Kong and Singapore-based company guided by sensitivity to the culture and climate of place, with a holistic approach to devise completely integrated design solution, emphasizes spaces, spaces that are inviting, and at the same time showing elegance and sophistication.

Each bedroom will feature traditional paneling, elegant linear headboards, bathrooms developed with precious marbles emanating a sense of timeless refinement, while each suite will be decorated with works of art and fixtures strongly inspired by the famous, upscale London district of Mayfair well known for its elegant townhouses.

Group travelers and families will have the opportunity to choose between suites with terraces, children's rooms, with multimedia rooms and private pools.

The Londoner Grand Luxury Collection Hotel, Macau will boast a culinary offer of great relevance promising to be an exceptional and memorable experience with five different culinary.

The Hampton Court restaurant will offer an international and Chinese-inspired buffet, tTe Chelsea Garden will present itself with a dining experience based on elite Chinese cuisine, The Conservatory will host three unique areas, with a dim sum restaurant, a tea room, a sweet shop and a quintessentially British pub bar.

Alongside these gastronomic establishments there will also be two signature Chinese restaurants, one serving authentic Cantonese cuisine characterized by its steaming, stir - frying and roasting cooking methods and another that will cater to lovers of Sichuan cuisine well known for its bold flavours, particularly the pungency and spiciness for liberal use of the very hot Sichuan Pepper which will present traditional flavors with modern touches.

Marriott International's Chief Development Officer for Greater China Gavin Yu said there is great excitement to bring the first Luxury Hotel Collecction to Macau, a destination that continues and always manages to attract travelers from all over the world.

This highly anticipated hotel will combine Macau's distinctively Eastern and Western culture with The Luxury Collection's distinctive perspective of luxury, offering guests unparalleled access to a city rich in historical heritage, gastronomy and captivating experiences.

Sands China Ltd. CEO and President Grant Chum said there is great excitement to partner with Luxury Group by Marriott International to bring the first Luxury Collection Hotel to Macau.

Building on the remarkable success achieved by The Londoner Macau, the addition of The Londoner Grand, a Luxury Collection Hotel to its portfolio represents a crucial milestone in its mission to raise the bar in the Macau hospitality landscape.

This extraordinary hotel will be a gateway to Macau's fascinating and captivating cultural heritage, offering guests an immersive journey through a city rich in history, culture, gastronomy and unforgettable experiences.

Bespoke hospitality in all its essence and concepts blends seamlessly with a perfect blend of classic and contemporary design and also for this reason The Londoner Grand will act as a beacon of Macau's constantly evolving identity becoming a world-class destination for the most discerning travellers.

The Londoner Grand is poised to further expand the footprint of Luxury Group by Marriott International as an exceptional portfolio in the hospitality industry by combining local expression with the unique programming and impeccable service that distinguishes The Luxury Collection.

This collaboration between Marriott International Inc. and Sands China Ltd. underscores and highlights the company's ongoing commitment to providing diverse and memorable guest experiences.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/hoteles/102662_marriott_lleva_la_marca_luxury_collection_macao

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group | Future Opening of a Luxury Resort in Mexico's Riviera Maya

 

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group International Limited, prestigious, multinational hospitality and management group focusing its activity on luxury hotels, resorts and residences founded in 1963 and with its headquarters in Causeway Bay - Hong Kong has announced that it will operate a luxury resort with branded residence on the coast of the idyllic Riviera Maya on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.

The future opening of the resort, which will operate under the name of Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya, is scheduled for 2028.

In addition to a strategic expansion of the hotel group in a destination that is always in high demand, the future resort has been meticulously designed to respect the diversity of the environment, reflecting in all its essence the local culture, harmoniously combining a serene and attractive architecture with craftsmanship with the renowned, legendary service that distinguishes the essence and the rooted philosphy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

Kanai is a project that is spread over an area of 680 acres in the heart of the Riviera Maya enlivened all year round by its tropical climate, a tranquil, paradise nestled between Mexico's tropical jungle and spellbinding white, sandy beaches 10 minutes by car from Playa del Carmen and 30 minutes driving from Cancún International Airport.

The resort is located within a safe and gated community totally surrounded by a magnificent unspoiled forest and with highlights a protected mangrove reserve.

A relevant detail is that only 9% of the territory is dedicated to the development of roads, infrastructures and buildings, ensuring the utmost care to preserve and safeguard the natural habitat with its varied wildlife.

The future Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya will feature 120 rooms and suites with private pools and views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, it will be developed on the local beach, each carefully selected space will offer a perfect combination of indoor and outdoor living enhanced by the meticulously studied use of fine natural materials such as wood, local fabrics, maemo and leather.

Part of the overall offer will also be 50 spacious, lovingly designed residences that will have direct access to the private Beach Club, for the exclusive use of residents.

The Beach Club will be another jewel of the resort with a café and a swim-up bar will offer guests refreshments throughout the day while also offering opportunities to enjoy a variety of water sports with a kids' Club providing a wide range of experiences for children of all ages.

The large complex will have three outdoor swimming pools that will integrate perfectly with the environment offering diversified experiences for families and adults.

As for the gastronomic offer, Mandarin Oriental Group will bring its great culinary experience with a range of dining options immersed in the natural environment of the resort, offering distinctive international cuisine with specialty restaurants and culinary delights of inspiration with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.

A further highlight of the resort will be the Spa of the Mandarin Oriental which faithful to the group's philosophy will incorporate special design elements of the Esrawe Studio renowned group based in Mexico City famous to offer a stylish design aimed to develop refined concepts of furniture, interior design, architecture and products.

This all-inclusive Spa is a serene satuary ideal for all those who wish to relax and will boast the most comprehensive range of beauty, wellness and massage treatments available in the region.

The resort both indoors and outdoors boasts ideal spaces in a perfect environment for the organization and celebration of meetings, social events and weddings.

To enhance the unique character of the resort, Bosco Sodi, talented, contemporary Mexican artist well  known for his use of raw, natural materials to create large-scale textures paintings and objects, will act as art curator and design consultant.

The artist, famous for his works rich in textures and elements that have made him popular in the world with activities in cities such as Barcelona, Berlin, Mexico City and New York will bring a distinctive artistic vision to the project.

Bosco Sodi's approach adopts as inspiration the Wabi Sabi philosophy, a world view focusing on the acceptance of transience and imperfection in traditional Japanese aesthetics, where the aesthetic is sometimes defined as admiring beauty in nature that is essentially unfinished, ephemeral and imperfect that blends with the ancient indigenous Mayan traditions and contemporary aesthetics.

Mandarin Hotel Group CEO Laurent Kleitman said that Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya exemplifies the group's commitment to delight fans at every opportunity.

This resort, set in stunning surroundings and embracing local culture through a wide range of meticulously curated experiences between art and design, promises to bring a unique level of hospitality to the region.

Mandarin Hotel Group, as a creator of culture with masters in the craft of hospitality, has designed every aspect and detail of this resort with guests at its heart, reflecting a dedication to the excellence of the service that generates exceptional experiences.

The expansion of the group's portfolio in the Americas brings the brand even closer to North American fans and will introduce Mandarin Oriental to many new audiences.

There is great enthusiasm to have collaborated with visionary developer GIM Desarollos and Abraham Metta Cohen on this ambitious project who are fans of Mamdarin Oriental.

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/noticias/hoteles/102674_un_resort_de_lujo_de_mandarin_oriental_abrira_en_la_costa_de_la_riviera